China: Explore Asian Culture

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Traveling often provides an opportunity to discover new cultures, to immerse oneself in traditions and customs different from those we know. China, a fascinating country with a thousand faces, is one of those destinations offering an unforgettable cultural experience. From the imperial palaces of Beijing to the futuristic skyscrapers of Shanghai, and the majestic Great Wall of China, the traveler is immersed in a world where ancient history **meets the most cutting-edge modernity**. China also boasts **refined cuisine**, numerous ancestral traditions, and breathtaking landscapes.

How to get to China to explore its culture?

China has **many international airports**, particularly in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. These allow travelers to reach the country from all over the world. It is also possible to take the train from some neighboring countries, such as Russia or Kazakhstan, to reach China.

Foreign travelers need a visa to enter China. There are different types of visas depending on the purpose of the trip (tourism, business, studies, etc.). To **obtain a tourist visa**, you need to provide a round-trip flight reservation as well as a hotel booking for the duration of your stay. If you need a visa for China, you can seek online help from an agency specializing in this type of service. This will save you time and ensure you get your visa quickly.

Once there, you can easily get around thanks to a developed transportation network, including metro lines, buses, and taxis. It is also possible to rent a car to explore the more remote regions of the country.

Discover Beijing and Shanghai

Beijing and Shanghai are two must-visit cities to discover Chinese culture. Beijing, the capital, is rich in historical and cultural sites, while Shanghai, the most populous city in China, is an important economic and commercial center.

In Beijing, you can **visit the Forbidden City**, the former residence of Chinese emperors, as well as the Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece of the Ming dynasty. You can also walk around Tian’anmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world. It houses the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the National Museum of China.

As for Shanghai, you can explore the Bund, a historic district on the west bank of the Huangpu River. It offers a stunning view of the city’s modern skyscrapers. Also, consider visiting the Yuyuan Garden, a traditional Chinese garden dating back to the Ming dynasty, as well as the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world.

Both cities offer a **rich culinary experience**. In Beijing, travelers can taste the famous Peking duck, an iconic dish of Chinese cuisine, as well as jiaozi, dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. In Shanghai, don’t forget to try xiaolongbao, small buns filled with meat or seafood.

Tourist sites to immerse yourself in Asian culture

China is full of **emblematic tourist sites** that allow travelers to immerse themselves in Asian culture. Here are some places not to be missed.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous tourist sites in the world and a **marvel of Chinese architecture**. It stretches for over 21,000 km across northern China and was built to protect the empire from foreign invasions. Be sure to visit the closest section of the wall to Beijing, Badaling, which is the best preserved and most accessible.

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is an imperial garden located in Beijing. It is considered the largest royal garden in China. Built during the Qing dynasty, it includes palaces, temples, pavilions, bridges, and landscaped gardens. The site is known for its famous Kunming Lake, as well as its numerous historical buildings.

The Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is an **archaeological site** located in Xi’an, in the Shaanxi province. It consists of a collection of life-sized terracotta statues representing the soldiers and horses of the army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The site was discovered in 1974 and is considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

The Jade Buddha Temple

The Jade Buddha Temple is located in the Yu district of Shanghai and is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China. It was built in 1882 and houses two white jade Buddha statues carved in the 18th century. An interesting place to visit is the Bell Tower and Drum Tower located nearby. The same goes for the Yu Garden, a traditional Chinese garden.

Taste the delicious Chinese cuisine

Chinese cuisine is one of the most famous and diverse in the world. As **travelers in China**, you must absolutely try the local dishes to discover its unique flavors.

Among the most famous dishes are **Peking duck**, a duck meat dish prepared with a special sauce and cooked until the skin is crispy. Dim sum is also very popular and consists of steamed buns filled with various ingredients such as shrimp, pork, or vegetables. Chinese noodles, dumplings, meatballs, and Chinese pancakes are also popular dishes.

Besides the main dishes, you will have the opportunity to discover numerous Chinese street snacks, such as jianbing, Chinese pancakes filled with eggs, vegetables, and sauce, or roujiamo…

Explore different Chinese tea houses

China is also known for its tea, and traditional tea houses are ideal places to discover the different varieties of Chinese tea. Once at your destination, be sure to try Oolong tea, Pu’erh tea, green tea, and white tea, and discover the culture and traditions related to the tea ceremony in China.

By visiting these tea houses, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the **history and culture of tea in China**. Some places also offer workshops to learn how to prepare and taste tea in the traditional Chinese way. This will help you understand the importance of this beverage in the daily life of the Chinese people.